COVID-19 aka the coronavirus was declared to be a pandemic by the World Health Organization yesterday. If you’re like me, you might be thinking “PANDEMIC!? OH NOOOOOO!!!!” and then realizing “Wait a minute, I don’t actually know what that really means.” Well, Twitter always has the answers. Click to watch an expert weigh in.
Q: What does '#pandemic' mean?
A: 'Pandemic' may sound like a scary word but it has a simple meaning. It means there's a newly identified virus or organism that has spread around the world. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/EkqQNUZHDS
— Vancouver Coastal Health (@VCHhealthcare) March 11, 2020
Lots of crazy stuff happening in the world right now in regards and response to all of this. The NBA suspending the season indefinitely, NHL talking about playing games without fans, the first major celebrities getting diagnosed and they’re a couple, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson! Couldn’t really happen to a bigger star or nicer couple. The States banning travel certain travel from Europe starting tomorrow, Canada pledging a billion to deal with the situation.
Closer to home, as of now there’s been no diagnosed cases in T-Bay but there are some cases of people not being able to buy toilet paper. Lots of my friends reporting that various stores are sold out leading to everybody making this joke.
Can you spare a #square? Seems relevant right now! I miss #Seinfeld 💙. Love #elaine! pic.twitter.com/sFelcVqxHF
— Karie K. (@kariecupcake) March 10, 2020
Lakehead University could end up suspending classes. Get that story from our News Team here. Meanwhile, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit is all over the COVID-19 situation. Here is their advice:
If an individual develops symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath), please call TBDHU at (807) 625-5900 or 1 (888) 294-6630 or call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 and we will help access testing and treatment.
If an individual is currently experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath), they should go home and self-isolate and call TBDHU at (807) 625-5900 or 1 (888) 294-6630 or call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 and we will help them access testing and treatment.
Guidance for self-monitoring and self-isolation can be found HERE.
